That fork tube polishing thing...

[dougie]

My fork stanchions had gotten to the point that fork seals didn't last 2 seasons.
I had some good advice from some of you, but if you're interested, here's what I did -

I used wet/dry silicone/carbide paper lubed with Varsol.
I took care of a couple of nicks, just leveling them with 600 grit.
Then I cut 1" wide strips from sheets of 1200 and 2000 grit. I wrapped them around about 1 1/2 times and did the shoeshine action, 1200 followed by 2000.
Last I did the same thing with 3/4" strips of denim coated with Autosol.
In retrospect, I am not sure I needed both the 2000 grit and the Autosol, but I wanted to be sure.
New fork seals - no leaks so far.

P.S. Yes ZM, I installed gaiters.

[Major Softie]

P.S. Yes ZM, I installed gaiters.

Better late then never.

[Chuey]

P.S. Yes ZM, I installed gaiters.

Fork boots rock!

Chuey

[ME 109]

My RS fairing is sand/rock blasted from years of riding dirt/gravel roads.
I have gaiters/boots/piano accordians on my forks.
I also have/have never had leaking fork seals.

[Zombie Master]

P.S. Yes ZM, I installed gaiters.[/quote]

Hallelujah!

[Duane Ausherman]

Even with fork gators the seals seemed to last a few years or about 40 k miles. How long do they last these days?

[dougie]

Even with fork gators the seals seemed to last a few years or about 40 k miles. How long to they last these days?

I logged the mileage when I put in new seals. I'll let ya know when they blow.